News Release

Media Advisory: Measuring the Impact of Isaac

Media are invited to join U.S. Geological Survey crews working in areas impacted by Isaac as they retrieve storm-tide sensors deployed prior to the storm, measure high-water marks, make inland flood measurements, and collect water samples to measure water quality following the storm.

The storm-tide sensors will be retrieved from Mobile Bay in Alabama to Breton Sound in Louisiana, including Lake Pontchartrain. The sensors were installed to measure the storm-tide height and intensity of Hurricane Isaac. The information will help define the depth and duration of the storm-tide, as well as the time of its arrival and retreat. That information will help assess storm damage, discern between wind and flood damage, and improve computer models used to forecast future floods.

As Isaac moves inland, flooding from the drenching rains becomes an issue, and as the storm progresses northward, additional measurements will be required in the Midwest states.

What: Reporters can accompany the USGS crews as they retrieve the storm-tide sensors, measure high water marks, and collect water samples from various locations along the Gulf Coast. USGS crews will also be making flood measurements at affected streamgages inland from the coast that are critical for accurate flood forecasts.

Points of Contact:

• Louisiana:

George Arcement

(225) 978-4203

• Mississippi

Michael Plunkett

(601) 933-2940

• Alabama:

Athena Clark

(334) 395-4141

When/Where: The specific schedules and locations will vary by state depending on flooding and road closures. Contact the state point of contact for more information.

Additional information on USGS activities before, during and after the storm can be found on the USGS website.